Category: Politics

MIL-OSI NGOs: Ten Years On: Reflections on the Silent Crisis in Burundi

Source: Amnesty International –

By Tigere Chagutah

It has been 10 years since a political crisis erupted in Burundi. Peaceful demonstrations against a controversial third term in office by the late president, Pierre Nkurunziza, were met with brutal repression by security forces. An attempted coup, while Nkurunziza attended a meeting in Tanzania, intensified the government’s violent response, leading to scores of targeted killings, torture, enforced disappearances and sexual violence. Ten years on, the country is yet to reckon with and move on from these events.

It is in this context that Burundians were called to the polls on 5 June for legislative and local elections. Key opposition leaders, including former warlord Agathon Rwasa, along with their political parties, were barred from participating. The ruling party, the Conseil National pour la Défense de la Démocratie (CNDD-FDD), claimed a landslide victory, with over 96% of the vote, according to final results confirmed by the Constitutional Court.

The impunity that followed Burundi’s 2015 crisis has emboldened authorities to continue repressing peaceful dissent and violating other human rights with little consequence. Despite periods of relative calm since the 2020 elections and the death of former President Nkurunziza, systemic abuses persist, including arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the silencing of civil society and the media. The repressive structures established before and during the 2015 crisis remain intact, with the Imbonerakure youth league continuing to intimidate and assault perceived opponents. Recent incidents such as the sentencing of Dr. Christopher Sahabo on politically motivated charges, attacks on journalists like Willy Kwizera, and President Ndayishimiye’s inflammatory rhetoric against human rights defenders and LGBTIQ+ people, underscore how a lack of accountability for past crimes has sustained a culture of repression and fear.

A Crisis Rooted in Political Exclusion and Impunity

The 2015 crisis did not arise in a void. It was the result of deep-seated political tensions, a history of exclusionary governance, and a legacy of impunity for human rights abuses and violations. Many people believe that the ruling party’s decision to ignore the Arusha Accords of 2000, (an agreement that had helped restore peace after a decade-long civil war), by extending presidential term limits without national consensus was a significant breach of trust and violated the social contract established with Burundians.

The impunity that followed Burundi’s 2015 crisis has emboldened authorities to continue repressing peaceful dissent and violating other human rights with little consequence.

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

In our investigations following the events of 2015, Amnesty International uncovered mass graves that concealed evidence of horrific massacres. More than 400,000 people fled the country, with many still living in exile today. Despite efforts at political dialogue, supported by regional institutions like the East African Community, there has been little to no meaningful accountability for the abuses committed before, during and after the crisis. The failure to ensure that suspected perpetrators are brought to justice and victims are provided with access to justice and effective remedies has left wounds unhealed, and undermined trust in national and regional institutions.

Imperative for Justice and Accountability

The lack of independent investigations and judicial action on past and present abuses highlights a broader crisis of accountability in Burundi. Since 2015, the National Human Rights Commission has faced allegations of inaction at a time when many placed their last hopes for a semblance of justice in it. On 5 May, the National Assembly elected new commissioners to lead the national human rights body. The newly established team must fulfil their duty to investigate abuses and violations and assist the Burundian government in upholding its human rights obligations.

Justice and accountability are not only a moral imperative, but a necessity for sustainable peace in Burundi and the African Great Lakes region. The country cannot move forward without a genuine reckoning with its past. The critical work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission must not be used to advance the interests of the ruling party but deliver the truth and true reconciliation of the people of Burundi. This must go hand in hand with justice and accountability mechanisms, as recommended in the Arusha Accords, including the establishment of a Special Tribunal.

The country has all to gain by engaging in a genuine and inclusive dialogue that involves all stakeholders, including political actors, civil society, women and young people to restore trust and build a shared vision for the future.

Tigere Chagutah

It is also time for the government to show a commitment to human rights and the rule of law by ensuring independent judicial investigations and cooperating with regional and international bodies, including the International Criminal Court, which opened an investigation into the Burundi situation in October 2017. It must implement the recommendations of the 2015 African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ fact-finding mission report, which emphasized the need for accountability for past and present crimes to address the issue of impunity in the country.

Beyond justice, Burundi urgently needs a comprehensive human rights and rule of law-based solution to address the root causes of conflict and division. The country has all to gain by engaging in a genuine and inclusive dialogue that involves all stakeholders, including political actors, civil society, women and young people to restore trust and build a shared vision for the future.

Key principles of the 2000 Arusha Accords on respect for human rights and national unity remain as relevant today as they were 25 years ago. Reviving this spirit of dialogue is critical if Burundi is to escape the cycle of crisis and repression.

Ten years on, we honor the memory of those who suffered and continue to suffer the consequences of the 2015 crisis and previous cycles of violence. Justice delayed is a hindrance to healing, social cohesion, and the stability of the country and the region.

Tigere Chagutah is Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa regional office

This opinion piece first ran in French in La Libre Afrique.

https://afrique.lalibre.be/79733/dix-ans-apres-reflexions-sur-la-crise-silencieuse-au-burundi/

MIL OSI NGO –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Washington, D.C., Updates for July 2025

Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

Headline: Washington, D.C., Updates for July 2025

Federal drilling permits rise as U.S. oil production surges to new records!

President Trump’s declaration of an energy emergency has helped clear hurdles and push the U.S. to the fastest rate of new oil and gas drilling permits in years, running 44% ahead of the Biden administration at the same point in his term.

As of 18 June, the Interior Department had approved 2,990 permits on federal and indigenous lands, compared with 2,071 for President Biden in 2021, according to government data. Under President Trump, that works out to roughly 600 permits monthly, a pace that hasn’t been reached in nearly two decades.

These permitting figures underscore a shift in this administration’s energy strategy – from the Biden administration’s approach, which used a range of tools to constrain oil and gas production, to one that allows producers greater freedom and flexibility to make production decisions based on market conditions.

During the transition from President Biden, the U.S. was already the global leader, producing more crude than any other country ever. President Trump declared an energy emergency, nonetheless, stating Americans were vulnerable to high energy prices and the U.S. was too dependent on foreign sources. Thus, Trump revoked some environmental restrictions, ordered reviews of others and called for departments to streamline the permitting process. The Interior Department announced emergency permitting reforms in April of this year to reduce the process to 28 days, a process that averaged more than 250 days under President Biden.

The United States is currently producing around 13.4 million barrels of crude oil per day. This represents a new record for the country, and it is more than any other nation has ever produced according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

July 10, 2025
Both countries just warming up, will score faster and more: PM Modi in historic address at Namibian Parliament

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Namibia’s National Assembly in Windhoek on Wednesday, opening his remarks with a greeting in Oshiwambo, “Omwa Uhala Po Nawa” — meaning “Good Afternoon”. PM Modi thanked the Speaker, the Namibian leadership and lawmakers for the invitation, describing the chamber as a “temple of democracy”.

Speaking in the Assembly, PM Modi congratulated Namibia on electing its first woman president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and drew comparisons with India’s own record of inclusivity. “It is the power of India’s Constitution that a daughter from a poor tribal family is today the President of India,” the Prime Minister said, referring to President Droupadi Murmu. “When you have nothing, the Constitution gives you everything.”

Paying tribute to Namibia’s Founding Father, the late President Sam Nujoma, PM Modi recalled his vision of a just, equal and independent Namibia. He also honoured the memory of freedom fighters such as Hosea Kutako, Hendrik Witbooi and Mandume Ya Ndemufayo, underlining India’s solidarity with Namibia during its liberation struggle.

The PM noted that India raised the issue of South West Africa at the United Nations even before its own independence and provided crucial support to SWAPO, hosting its first foreign diplomatic office in New Delhi. He also highlighted the contribution of Lieutenant General Diwan Prem Chand, who led the UN peacekeeping force in Namibia.

Quoting Namibian poet Mvula ya Nangolo, he described Namibia’s parliament and its democracy as living monuments to freedom.

Reaffirming the strong bonds between the two nations, PM Modi described India and Namibia as partners shaped by similar histories of colonial rule and a shared commitment to dignity, freedom and democracy. He expressed gratitude for receiving Namibia’s highest civilian honour, describing the gesture as a symbol of enduring friendship.

The Prime Minister stressed India’s support for Namibia’s Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan, noting that over 1,700 Namibians have benefited from Indian scholarships and training programmes. He underlined India’s focus on capacity-building through institutions such as the Centre of Excellence in IT and defence training programmes.

Highlighting growing economic ties, PM Modi noted that bilateral trade has surpassed $800 million and expressed optimism for greater growth. “But just like on the cricket field, we are only warming up — we will score faster and score more,” he stressed.

PM Modi also welcomed Namibia’s adoption of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), saying it would empower ordinary Namibians to make fast, secure digital transactions. The PM pointed to the upcoming Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Namibia as a hub for nurturing business ideas and expanding opportunities for young Namibians.

PM Modi also underscored healthcare cooperation, mentioning India’s flagship health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat, which covers nearly 500 million people, and offered to share affordable medicines through India’s Jan Aushadhi programme. He announced India’s readiness to supply Namibia with a Bhabhatron radiotherapy machine for advanced cancer care and expressed hope that Namibia would benefit from India’s initiatives in digital health and capacity-building.

The PM thanked Namibia for its support in India’s cheetah reintroduction project and shared that the translocated cheetahs have adapted well in their new home, symbolising the two countries’ shared commitment to conservation.

Welcoming Namibia’s decision to join global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Global Biofuels Alliance and the International Big Cats Alliance, PM Modi described these as examples of cooperation for sustainable development.

Speaking on India’s partnership with Africa, the Prime Minister reiterated the ten principles guiding India’s engagement with the continent — rooted in respect, equality and mutual benefit. He underscored India’s role in supporting Africa’s industrialisation under Agenda 2063 and its commitment to building local skills, creating jobs and promoting innovation.

PM Modi called for the Global South to shape its own future, saying that India’s development journey is proof that nations can succeed on their own terms without compromising their identity. He urged both nations to work together as partners for peace, progress and prosperity, envisioning a future guided by partnership, dialogue and equity. “Let us move forward as partners, so that our children inherit not only the freedom we fought for, but also the future we build together,” he said.

Additionally, PM Modi wished Namibia success in co-hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup, playfully adding that India’s cricketing expertise is just a phone call away if Namibia’s national team, the Eagles, ever needs it.

“The best days of India–Namibia relations are ahead of us,” PM Modi said, expressing confidence in the shared journey from freedom to a future of dignity and opportunity for both nations.

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government action to speed up compensation for LGBT veterans
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

Government action to speed up compensation for LGBT veterans

LGBT military personnel who faced dismissal, discharge or mistreatment due to their sexuality while serving between 1967 and 2000 will receive financial support faster following improvements to the Government’s financial recognition scheme.
Increase in dedicated staff will accelerate applications and process payments faster

New automated payment system is being built to eliminate processing delays and administrative bottlenecks

Financial recognition scheme will provide support for LGBT military personnel who faced dismissal, discharge or mistreatment while serving between 1967 – 2000.

LGBT military personnel who faced dismissal, discharge or mistreatment due to their sexuality while serving between 1967 and 2000 will receive financial support faster following improvements to the Government’s financial recognition scheme.

The UK Government has increased dedicated staff by adding a further five workers, almost doubling the size of the existing team, to accelerate application reviews and process payments more quickly. The expanded team will focus on expediting the creation of applicant case files and processing of applications.

To address processing concerns, the Government is also introducing two other key measures as part of its efforts to ensure veterans receive timely recognition for past injustices:

An automated payments system is being built to streamline the process, significantly reducing administrative bottlenecks and minimising errors. This system will ensure payments are made accurately and promptly once approved.

Independent Panel sittings will double to two per week to accelerate the review of cases requiring assessment, particularly for those seeking recognition payments of up to £20,000 for harm experienced beyond dismissal or discharge.
The Government remains driven to ensure every recommendation of Lord Etherton’s review is fully implemented. As of July 2025, Defence has completed 42 of the 49 recommendations and two other remaining recommendations will be completed by the end of the year.

This action demonstrates the Government’s Plan for Change in practice – delivering on the commitment to strengthen national security by ensuring we maintain the trust and confidence of all those who serve our country.

Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns MP, said

We deeply regret the treatment of LGBT serving personnel between 1967 and 2000 which was wholly unacceptable.

We have been prioritising payments to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible.

We’re taking decisive action to ensure LGBT veterans receive the recognition they deserve by increasing staff resources, implementing an automated payment system, and doubling panel reviews.

This scheme acknowledges the sacrifices of those who faced discrimination while serving. I urge all affected veterans to apply through the GOV.UK portal as we remain fully committed to implementing Lord Etherton’s recommendations, and righting these historic wrongs, as part of our Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served.

The further support for LGBT Veterans comes off the back of the government’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who have served.

The scheme, launched by the Government in December, goes beyond financial recognition – it also acknowledges the sacrifices and injustices faced by LGBT veterans and ensures their experiences are recognised and valued. This can include, but not limited to, having a restoration of rank, letters of apologies, among other forms of recognition.

All veterans affected by the ban while serving between 1967 and 2000 are urged to read the guidance and apply via the Veterans of the LGBT Ban: Financial Recognition Scheme page on GOV.UK.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 9 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The unchecked invasion of the Belice area by renewable energy plants: a threat to the local fabric, its agriculture and CAP investments – E-002709/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002709/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR)

The unchecked proliferation of wind and solar photovoltaic plants is radically altering the landscapes and economic fabric of the Belice area – a rural region in western Sicily that relies heavily on agriculture – while also harming its producers.

Meeting in Castelvetrano, local mayors criticised what they view as an energy transition model which has been imposed from on high and which benefits large industrial groups at the expense of the Belice area’s communities and identity.

While the number of requests to connect installations to the electricity grid is already four times higher than planned, the areas deemed unsuitable for renewable energy plants have yet to be mapped out, even though such a measure was provided for by the Legislative Decree (No 199/2021) that transposed Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (known as RED II). This state of affairs could also jeopardise the investments made to protect and develop rural areas under both the Common Agricultural Policy and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

In the light of the above:

1.Could the Commission clarify whether this state of affairs is in line with CAP and territorial cohesion objectives?

2.Is this state of affairs compatible with the principles of the EU Green Deal, and does it respect territorial specificities?

3.Which instruments will the Commission use to ensure that the environmental transition is not used as a pretext to cause further environmental and economic disruption in the EU’s rural and inland areas?

Submitted: 2.7.2025
Last updated: 9 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use of the Digital Services Act to suppress political opinions ahead of the European elections – E-002633/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002633/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Markus Buchheit (ESN)

In the run-up to the 2024 European elections, the Commission intensified the enforcement of the Digital Services Act[1] (DSA), calling on online platforms to combat so-called ‘disinformation’. However, several reports and testimonies indicate that this framework is being used disproportionately to target conservative, right-wing or Eurosceptic voices. In this context, the line between moderating harmful content and censoring political opposition becomes dangerously thin.

Has the Commission monitored or evaluated the ideological bias in the application of the DSA on major platforms such as X or Facebook?

Submitted: 30.6.2025

[1] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services, OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj.
Last updated: 9 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions – RC-B10-0324/2025/REV1

Source: European Parliament

Hildegard Bentele
on behalf of the PPE Group
Kathleen Van Brempt
on behalf of the S&D Group
Beata Szydło, Mariusz Kamiński
on behalf of the ECR Group
Bart Groothuis, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Engin Eroglu, Christophe Grudler, Svenja Hahn, Ľubica Karvašová, Michał Kobosko, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Marie‑Pierre Vedrenne, Lucia Yar
on behalf of the Renew Group
Ville Niinistö
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
Mariusz Kamiński

European Parliament resolution on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions

(2025/2800(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on China,

– having regard to the upcoming EU-China summit planned for 24 and 25 July 2025,

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020 [1], also known as the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA),

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 [2](Net-Zero Industry Act),

– having regard to the G7 Leaders’ statement on the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan,

– having regard to the Commission communication of 26 February 2025 entitled ‘The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation’ (COM(2025)0085),

– having regard to the clean trade and investment partnerships being negotiated by the EU, and to the EU’s critical raw material partnerships,

– having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 20 June 2023 on ‘European Economic Security Strategy’ (JOIN(2023)0020), and to the speeches about de-risking given by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Policy Centre on 30 March 2023 and in Parliament on 18 April 2023,

– having regard to the 13th EU-China Strategic Dialogue, held between the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in Brussels on 2 July 2025,

– having regard to the statements made by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the G7 summit held in Kananaskis, Canada from 16 to 17 June 2025,

– having regard to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, in particular the principles of non-discrimination and of transparency regarding export restrictions,

– having regard to WTO dispute settlement rulings DS431, DS432 and DS433 on China’s rare earth export restrictions,

– having regard to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,

– having regard to Rule 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas on 4 April 2025, China started to enact export restrictions on 7 of the 17 rare earth elements (REEs) and on permanent magnets produced from these, introducing a system for non-automatic licences, and cited dual-use and security considerations as justification; whereas the list of items covered by the restrictions includes medium and heavy REEs (samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium);

B. whereas critical raw materials are essential inputs for a wide array of industrial products and processes, including in critical sectors such as clean technologies, digital technologies, healthcare and defence; whereas a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials is fundamental to achieving the Union’s climate, digital, competitiveness and defence objectives;

C. whereas export volumes have reportedly decreased by as much as 80 %, having a heavy impact on a wide range of sectors, including electronics and consumer tech, green energy and renewables, the automotive industry, aerospace and healthcare;

D. whereas the EU’s dependence on China for critical raw materials has continued to grow or, at best, remains stubbornly high; whereas the global REE supply chain is heavily concentrated in China, which has control of around 75 % of mining output and of 85 % of processing capacity, reaching more than 95 % in the case of some REEs such as terbium, yttrium and dysprosium; whereas the EU remains overly reliant on non-EU countries for the supply of critical raw materials (CRMs) and is almost entirely dependent on China for the supply of heavy REEs; whereas the EU covers 98% of its demand for permanent magnets, and 92 % of its demand for NdFeB magnets, with imports from China;

E. whereas China has significantly expanded its dominance in the global mining, processing and refining of CRMs and intermediate products, creating strategic dependences along key value chains, , which have, at times, been deliberately leveraged through restrictive trade measures; whereas China first restricted the export of REEs in 2010 over a territorial dispute with Japan, and this restriction was declared incompatible with WTO rules by the Appellate Body; whereas China has also applied extensive restrictions on the export of raw minerals classified as strategic and/or critical by the EU, including gallium and germanium since 1 August 2023, graphite since December 2023, antimony products since 15 September 2024, tungsten and bismuth since 4 February 2025, and scandium since 17 April 2025;

F. whereas the implementation of these export restrictions has already started to cause severe disruptions to industry in the EU, including the automotive industry, with as many as 17 assembly lines experiencing temporary shutdowns in May 2025; whereas a wide array of sectors could face disruption, such as healthcare, space and defence – including fighter jets, frigates, drones and precision-guided weapons systems – wind turbines and batteries, as could the green and digital transitions more generally;

G. whereas China’s licensing procedure requires applicants to disclose sensitive information to the Chinese authorities, which breaches economic secrecy; whereas China’s updated export control framework of December 2024 gives greater discretionary powers to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the State Council and the Central Military Commission to subject items not formally listed as dual-use goods to export controls; whereas these new regulations include measures with extraterritorial applications;

H. whereas the EU applies export controls to certain types of critical and advanced materials, but these controls are clearly focused on material types, with precise technical parameters relating to their use in specific military applications, do not affect trade in commercial non-sensitive products and account for only a small share of total exports of the materials in question;

I. whereas China has deliberately pursued a strategy of undercutting global market prices while keeping its domestic market closed, generally to the benefit of state-owned enterprises, and couples this with huge subsidy schemes, leading to significant distortions in global competition and jeopardising recent efforts by the EU and the Member States to keep the EU’s remaining mining sectors afloat;

J. whereas the EU adopted the CRMA in April 2024 as the starting point of efforts towards improving the resilience and autonomy of the EU’s supply of CRMs and strategic raw materials (SRMs); whereas the CRMA addresses both the supply side and the demand side, including through production targets, through resource efficiency aimed at moderating consumption, and through the substitution of SRMs; whereas circularity is at the core of the CRMA, which aims to cover 25 % of the Union’s SRM needs through recycling by 2030 and has the objective of recycling substantially larger amounts of each SRM from waste, including for permanent magnets;

K. whereas the upcoming EU-China summit is an opportunity to engage in dialogue while continuing to stand strong against coercion;

L. whereas China still has sanctions in place against a former MEP, members of Member State parliaments and European think tanks;

1. Strongly condemns China’s decision to enact REE export restrictions, which has halted exports and significantly disrupted supply chains vital for the automotive industry, defence manufacturers, semiconductor companies, green technologies, healthcare applications and many other sectors in the EU and across the world; considers that China’s action is unjustified and has a coercive intent, building on the enormous leverage its quasi-monopolistic position on the global market provides;

2. Believes that China is using these export restrictions to strengthen its negotiating position; stresses that the EU must firmly reject any attempts by China to use these restrictions to force concessions on other ongoing trade irritants, and believes that any concessions to China in this respect would harm the EU’s ability to protect itself from current and future coercion;

3. Underlines the importance of expressing concern regarding China’s export restrictions on REEs and the broader implications of these restrictions for global supply chains at the upcoming EU-China summit; is convinced that export controls should be part of a multilateral approach designed to protect international security and ensure a global level playing field, insists that unilateral controls must be limited to those made strictly necessary by national security considerations, with transparent and clearly defined rules, and therefore stresses that making China’s actions run counter to multilateral rules and practices, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to take a firm and unified stance, engage with China to find a structural solution and continue dialogue with China in this regard;

4. Urges the Chinese authorities to follow up tangibly on their proposal and fully lift the export restrictions; takes note, in the meantime, of the recent proposal by the Chinese authorities to establish so-called ‘green lanes’ aimed at simplifying procedures for European companies;

5. Stresses the urgent need for the EU to enhance its strategic leverage and indispensability by identifying, operationalising and strengthening areas in which it holds critical advantages over China in essential goods and technologies, with the objective of strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy, or by limiting access to the EU internal market for high-risk Chinese vendors in accordance with EU and international trade law;

6. Considers China’s measures to be an unjustified weaponisation of its CRM supply lines, rendering it an untrustworthy source of input for critical sectors and a threat to the Union’s economic and essential security interests;

7. Expresses deep concern over the requirements, imposed by Chinese authorities, that applicants must disclose sensitive data when applying for export permits, and over the considerable risk of technology leaks associated with this as regards the defence industrial base value chain and national security secrets, stressing that this may be used for future coercion; considers it essential for the Commission and the Member States to assess and mitigate the security implications of such data transfers, in line with the European economic security strategy;

8. Urges the Commission and the Member States to accelerate the implementation of the CRMA; stresses the important role of the European Raw Materials Board and its sub-groups for the rapid and efficient implementation of the CRMA; recalls the clear and ambitious targets set to reinforce EU capacities to extract, process and recycle SRMs domestically by 2030; highlights the selection of the first 60 strategic projects under the CRMA;

9. Regrets the fact that the CRMA was not accompanied by a dedicated EU budget, despite the lack of funding being the main bottleneck; stresses the urgent need to secure investments in the strategic projects approved under the CRMA and in other projects to boost extraction, refining, processing and recycling that contribute to de-risking from China and to achieving the CRMA benchmarks; urges the Commission to dedicate further EU-level support to the diversification of the REE and CRM supply, and to guarantee that the forthcoming multiannual financial framework will include a budget line to foster investment in extraction, processing, circularity, research and innovation, including for the substitution of CRMs;

10. Underlines the need for the EU to mine domestically and re-establish processing capacity; underlines that increasing the efficiency of resource use through technological innovation is one of the objectives of the CRMA; emphasises the potential of recycling and urban mining to alleviate supply constraints in the short term and asks the Commission to take immediate measures to improve the collection and retention of REEs in the internal market;

11. Underlines the need to ensure the long-term business case for and the viability of investments in CRM value chains, including through financial support such as price floors, offtake support and strategic stockpiling; calls on the Member States to request that large companies producing technologies in strategic sectors duly and regularly carry out risk-preparedness activities and measures to mitigate supply shortages, including via stockpiling;

12. Calls on the Commission, together with the Member States, to assess the minimum level for the EU of strategic stocks of REEs listed as SRMs (neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, dysprosium, gadolinium, samarium and cerium) and the corresponding end-use applications, including those linked to the defence industry;

13. Calls, furthermore, for stronger engagement to conclude clean trade and investment partnerships (CTIPs) and bilateral strategic partnerships on raw materials that are based on true win-win partnerships and meet high sustainability and human rights standards; insists on the need to move towards binding agreements on CRMs to ensure the long-term security of the EU’s supplies, guarantee more transparency and ensure that Parliament has scrutiny powers; underlines the importance of free trade agreements and the Global Gateway initiative in enhancing access to CRMs;

14. Encourages the use of preference clauses for sourcing REEs from EU suppliers and trusted partners in relevant procurement legislation; calls for greater coordination with like-minded international partners, particularly within the G7 and NATO frameworks and with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, in order to improve knowledge transfer, align supply chain security, joint investments and stockpiling strategies, and develop trusted-source standards for strategic sectors and projects;

15. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Government and Parliament of the People’s Republic of China.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – EUDS mission to Moldova in Chișinău on 26-28 May 2025 – 26-05-2025 – Special committee on the European Democracy Shield

Source: European Parliament

The European Democracy Shield Committee’s mission to Moldova (26-28 May 2025) examined the current challenges of hybrid warfare and Moldova’s institutional response to foreign interference.

With Russian interference operations estimated at over 1% of the country’s GDP, this timely mission, in the wake of the parliamentary elections in October looked into the topics of electoral corruption, disinformation, instrumentalisation of regional divisions and energy-related pressures, amongst other hybrid threats and realities. Through meetings with the parliamentary leadership, government officials, security services and civil society organizations, amongst a wide variety of interlocutors, the delegation assessed how Moldova is strengthening its democratic resilience through legislative reforms, specialized institutions, including the National Cybersecurity Agency and the Centre for Strategic Communication, and the experience of countering FIMI activities in real time during the constitutional referendum and presidential elections of 2024. The mission’s findings offered relevant insights for the work of the EUDS committee.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the DEVE Committee 15 July – Committee on Development
Source: European Parliament

The Committee on Development will meet on 15 July to discuss the following files:
- Presentation and exchange of views with Mr Louis Marechal, Senior Advisor Minerals & Extractives at OECD and Mr Alex Kopp, Senior Campaigner at Global Witness on Traceability of Critical Raw Materials with a focus on Africa;
- Exchange of views on the General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2026;
- Debriefing from delegation to the 4th Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla, June 2025;
- Public Hearing on Interlinkage between Migration and Development Cooperation;
- Presentation of the Danish Presidency Priorities;
- Vote: EU political strategy on Latin America (Rapporteur for the opinion: Leire Pajín);
The next Committee meeting will take place on 1 September 2025 15.00-18.30
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 10, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Amending Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 on certain measures for the purpose of the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing – P10_TA(2025)0150 – Wednesday, 9 July 2025 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43(2) and Article 207 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee(1),

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure(2),

Whereas:

(1) In line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982(3) (‘UNCLOS’) and the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks of 4 August 1995(4) ▌ (‘UNFSA’), the management of certain straddling and highly migratory fish stocks requires the cooperation of all the countries whose fleets exploit that stock. Such cooperation could be established within the framework of regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) or by means of ad hoc arrangements among the countries having an interest in the fishery concerned.

(2) Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council(5) establishes a framework to allow for the identification and the adoption of measures with regard to third countries which fail to cooperate and allow non-sustainable fishing of a stock of common interest for the Union.

(3) In accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012, it is possible for a country to be identified as allowing non-sustainable fishing if, inter alia, it fails to cooperate in the management of a stock of common interest in full compliance with the provisions of the UNCLOS and the UNFSA, or any other international agreement or rule of international law, and if it fails to adopt necessary fishery management measures.

(4) A definition of ‘failure to cooperate’ should be introduced in order to better define, for the purposes of Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012, the scope and meaning of the requirement to cooperate pursuant to UNCLOS and UNFSA.

(5) The ‘best available scientific advice’ should be understood to refer to publicly available scientific advice that is supported by the most up-to-date scientific data and methods and that has been either issued or reviewed by an independent scientific body that is recognised at Union or international level.

(6) It is also necessary to clarify that it should be possible for a country to be considered as allowing non-sustainable fishing if it does not implement or enforce the necessary fishery management measures, and that such measures include control measures, including within the framework of RFMOs.

(7) It is also appropriate to reinforce the procedures prior and subsequent to the adoption of measures in respect of countries allowing non-sustainable fishing, including within the framework of RFMOs.

(8) In order to assess the appropriate measures to be taken with regard to a country allowing non-sustainable fishing, it is necessary to provide for an accurate understanding of the trade relations of the Union with the country under evaluation, including by assessing historical data for imported products that reflect the real import patterns in relation to that country.

(9) Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 is amended as follows:

(1) Article 2 is amended as follows:

(a) point (b) is replaced by the following:“

‘(b) “associated species” means any fish that belongs to the same ecosystem as the stock of common interest and that preys upon that stock, is preyed on by it, competes with it for food and living space or co-occurs with it in the same fishing area, and that is exploited or accidentally taken, including as by-catch, in the same fishery or fisheries;’;

”

(b) point (f) is replaced by the following:“

‘(f) “unsustainable state” means the condition where the stock is not continuously maintained at or above the levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield or, if those levels cannot be estimated, where the stock is not continuously maintained within safe biological limits in line with the precautionary approach to fisheries management as referred to in Article 6 of UNFSA; the stock levels determining whether the stock is in an unsustainable state are to be determined on the basis of best available scientific advice;’;

”

‘(i) “failure to cooperate” means the failure by countries to engage in good faith and have meaningful consultations, including within the framework of RFMOs, in which substantial effort is made with a view to reaching an agreement on the adoption of necessary fishery management measures, and examples of failure to cooperate include, but are not limited to:
	(1)	refusing to consult or to involve in consultations all the relevant coastal States and fishing States;

▌
	(2)	unjustified unilateral breaking-off of consultations;
	(3)	undue delays, including in replying to requests or engaging in consultations;
	(4)	withholding information relevant for consultations;
	(5)	making unreasonable information requests;
	(6)	disregarding agreed procedures;
	(7)	systematically refusing to take into consideration counter-proposals or other parties’ interests;
	(8)	systematically insisting upon own positions for an extended period, irrespective of flexibility offered by other parties in the consultations;
	(9)	refusing to take into account the best available scientific advice or historic fishing activities regarding the relevant stock or stocks;
	(10)	while consultations for comprehensive sharing arrangements are ▌ on-going, pursuing consultations with a view to concluding partial sharing arrangements, or subsequently concluding such partial sharing arrangements, excluding some relevant coastal States or fishing States for stocks of common interest.’;

”

(2) in Article 3, point (b), points (i) and (ii) are replaced by the following:”

‘(i) it fails to adopt, implement or enforce necessary fishery management measures, including control measures, ensuring the effective conservation and management of stocks of common interest, including within the framework of an RFMO or where agreed bilaterally or multilaterally; or
	(ii)	it adopts fishery management measures, such as quotas or discriminatory measures, without due regard to the rights, interests and duties of other countries and the Union, and those fishery management measures, when considered in conjunction with measures taken by other countries and the Union, lead to fishing activities which could result in the stock being in an unsustainable state; this condition is considered to be complied with also where the fishery management measures adopted by that country did not lead to the stock being in an unsustainable state solely due to measures adopted by others.’;

”

(3) Article 6 is amended as follows:

(a) the title is replaced by the following:“

‘Procedures prior and subsequent to the adoption of measures in respect of countries allowing non-sustainable fishing’;

”

(b) paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:“

‘1. Where the Commission considers that it is necessary to adopt measures referred to in Article 4, it shall notify the country concerned of the intention to identify it as a country allowing non-sustainable fishing. In such cases, the European Parliament and the Council shall be immediately informed and regularly updated on developments and the actions taken.’;

”

‘2a. Where the stock of common interest falls under the scope of an RFMO, the Commission shall raise the matter of a country allowing non-sustainable fishing with the compliance body of that RFMO prior to the notification under paragraph 1, as applicable, with a view to remedying the situation.’;

”

(d) paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:”

‘3. Prior to the adoption of measures pursuant to Article 4, the Commission shall provide the country concerned with a reasonable opportunity to respond to the notification referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article in writing and to provide any relevant information.’;

”

(e) the following paragraphs are added:”

‘4. The Commission shall give the country concerned a maximum of 90 days to reply to the notification referred to in paragraph 1 and a reasonable time to remedy the situation.

5. Following the adoption of measures pursuant to Article 4, the Commission shall continue to engage and maintain an open dialogue with the country concerned and shall promote cooperation bilaterally and multilaterally, with a view to that country ▌ ceasing to allow non-sustainable fishing.

6. Where the country concerned enters into consultations with the Union in good faith, the Commission shall engage in such consultations without delay.’;

”

(4) in Article 7, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:“

‘1. The measures referred to in Article 4 shall cease to apply when the country allowing non-sustainable fishing adopts appropriate corrective measures necessary for the conservation and management of the stock of common interest and those corrective measures:
	(a)	have either been adopted autonomously or have been agreed in the context of consultations with the Union and, where applicable, other countries concerned or within the framework of RFMOs; and
	(b)	do not undermine the effect of measures taken by the Union, whether autonomously, in cooperation with other countries or within the framework of RFMOs, for the purpose of the conservation of the fish stocks concerned.’.

”

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at … ▌ ,

For the European Parliament For the Council

The President The President

(1)	OJ C, C/2025/1191, 21.3.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/1191/oj.
(2)	Position of the European Parliament of 9 July 2025.
(3)	United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (OJ L 179, 23.6.1998, p. 3, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/convention/1998/392/oj).
(4)	Agreement for the implementing of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the conservation and management of straddling stocks and highly migratory fish stocks (OJ L 189, 3.7.1998, p. 17, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/1998/414/oj).
(5)	Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on certain measures for the purpose of the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing (OJ L 316, 14.11.2012, p. 34, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2012/1026/oj).

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 10, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Article 72 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union – 09-07-2025

Source: European Parliament

The EU has faced challenges in recent years due to the ‘instrumentalisation’ of migration by the Belarusian government, leading to irregular border crossings into the EU. In response, some EU Member States have adopted national emergency measures that allow for derogations from EU law. The European Commission considers that EU countries could invoke Article 72 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) to address the issue of ‘hybrid threats’, including the instrumentalisation of migration. Article 72 TFEU allows Member States to derogate from EU secondary law in exceptional cases to maintain law and order and internal security. However, the interpretation of this article is debated. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has dealt with Article 72 in several judgments, but all attempts by Member States to invoke an emergency have failed so far. Even if a government successfully invokes Article 72, it would need to respect certain principles, such as the principle of proportionality, the fundamental rights protected by EU law, as outlined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and the principle of sincere cooperation and mutual trust and solidarity. To invoke Article 72 TFEU, a Member State must also demonstrate that a derogation is necessary to maintain ‘law and order’ or protect ‘internal security’. The concepts of public order and internal security are likely based on the public policy clauses of the fundamental freedoms, as established by CJEU case law.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic – RC-B10-0327/2025

Source: European Parliament

pursuant to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of the Rules of Procedure
replacing the following motions:
B10‑0327/2025 (S&D, Verts/ALE)
B10‑0334/2025 (Renew)
B10‑0339/2025 (PPE)
B10‑0342/2025 (ECR)

Sebastião Bugalho, Wouter Beke, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Andrey Kovatchev, Tomas Tobé, Tomáš Zdechovský, Davor Ivo Stier, Łukasz Kohut, Liudas Mažylis, Vangelis Meimarakis, Loránt Vincze, Seán Kelly, Mirosława Nykiel, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Inese Vaidere
on behalf of the PPE Group
Yannis Maniatis, Kathleen Van Brempt, Francisco Assis
on behalf of the S&D Group
Adam Bielan, Jaak Madison, Alexandr Vondra, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Michał Dworczyk, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Assita Kanko, Marlena Maląg, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
on behalf of the ECR Group
Hilde Vautmans, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan‑Christoph Oetjen, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Lucia Yar
on behalf of the Renew Group
Saskia Bricmont
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

European Parliament resolution on the arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic

(2025/2797(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to Rule 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas Joseph Figueira Martin, a dual Belgian-Portuguese citizen and humanitarian researcher working for the NGO FHI 360, was kidnapped on 26 May 2024 in the Central African Republic (CAR) by the Wagner Group and later handed over to the CAR authorities;

B. whereas CAR brought charges against him based on unfounded accusations, including espionage and terrorism, for which he could face lifetime imprisonment and forced labour;

C. whereas he was held at the OCRB in Bangui in solitary confinement and was tortured and threatened with death; whereas he has remained in detention under inhumane conditions and without trial for over a year, and a request for his conditional release has not been answered, in violation of CAR criminal law;

D. whereas his health has deteriorated dramatically and medical assessments state that he requires urgent evacuation;

E. whereas armed groups operating in CAR have been carrying out illegal and arbitrary arrests and detentions;

F. whereas CAR is severely affected by Russia’s disinformation campaigns and hosts one of the largest contingents of Wagner Group mercenaries;

G. whereas the EU supports CAR’s population, providing humanitarian, security and development aid;

H. whereas Mr Martin’s case has been identified by the UN and the EU as one that reflects a broader pattern of disinformation and anti-Western rhetoric fostered by Russian-linked actors in CAR;

1. Demands that the CAR authorities immediately and unconditionally release Mr Martin, given the absence of credible and substantiated evidence justifying his detention;

2. Urges the CAR authorities to allow his medical evacuation and ensure his access to legal representation, consular assistance and appropriate care in accordance with international human rights standards;

3. Strongly condemns the human rights violations committed through the arbitrary, continued and inhuman detention of Mr Martin, seriously threatening his life and health;

4. Insists that any judicial proceedings strictly comply with due process guarantees enshrined in the ICCPR and the applicable provisions of CAR’s national legal framework;

5. Calls on the CAR authorities to ensure that the armed groups operating in CAR immediately cease illegal and arbitrary arrests and attacks on humanitarian and NGO workers;

6. Calls for ensuring accountability for rights’ violations and abuses;

7. Condemns the growing politically motivated foreign interference in CAR, including through Russian paramilitary forces and disinformation campaigns; reiterates its call on the Council to designate the Wagner Group a terrorist organisation;

8. Stresses that respect for human rights is crucial for good EU-CAR cooperation;

9. Calls on the VP/HR to take all possible steps, in coordination with the Belgian and Portuguese authorities, including by raising Mr Martin’s case in the EU-CAR political dialogue, to secure his release and ensure that his rights are upheld; stresses the need for targeted EU measures should the CAR authorities persist in violating his rights;

10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the Government and Parliament of CAR, the AU and the UN.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai – RC-B10-0328/2025

Source: European Parliament

Sebastião Bugalho, Seán Kelly, Tomáš Zdechovský, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Tomas Tobé, Wouter Beke, Davor Ivo Stier, Łukasz Kohut, Mirosława Nykiel, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Inese Vaidere
on behalf of the PPE Group
Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
on behalf of the S&D Group
Adam Bielan, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Marlena Maląg, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
on behalf of the ECR Group
Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Engin Eroglu, Olivier Chastel, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
on behalf of the Renew Group
Villy Søvndal
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

European Parliament resolution on the case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai

(2025/2796(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to Opinion No 19/2022 of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD),

– having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas Ryan Cornelius, a 71-year-old British national married to an EU citizen, has been arbitrarily detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 2008, following a conviction on false fraud charges related to a loan from Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) for a property development project;

B. whereas he was initially sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and, just before his scheduled release in 2018, his sentence was extended by an additional 20 years under Dubai Law 37 of 2009, applied retroactively and in violation of international legal standards;

C. whereas according to human rights organisations, the UAE Government has a concerning track record of arbitrary detention, unfair trials and allegations of torture;

D. whereas according to independent auditors, the real estate development seized from Ryan Cornelius by DIB is demonstrably worth many times the amount of his outstanding debt to the bank;

E. whereas the UNWGAD has declared his continued imprisonment a violation of international law, citing a lack of due process, coerced confessions, solitary confinement, denial of legal counsel and coerced signing of documents in Arabic;

F. whereas Ryan Cornelius continues to be held in inhumane prison conditions, with his health deteriorating and without proper access to healthcare;

G. Whereas Dubai Law 37 of 2009 states in Article 7(1) that the convicted person (the debtor) shall not be sentenced to jail if that person is aged over 70; whereas Ryan Cornelius turned 70 in 2024 and as such should be granted an exemption under this law;

1. Condemns Ryan Cornelius’s arbitrary and prolonged detention and calls for him and all other arbitrarily detained persons to be released immediately and unconditionally;

2. Demands that he be granted an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law;

3. Urges the Dubai authorities to provide him with access to adequate medical treatment and care in accordance with international standards on the treatment of prisoners, and to ensure an independent investigation into his arbitrary detention;

4. Denounces the retroactive application of Law 37 of 2009 and urges the UAE to ensure fair trials and abolish the practice of debt-related imprisonment; notes that Ryan Cornelius remains in prison despite the authorities having seized assets valued at more than twice his original debt;

5. Expresses solidarity with his family;

6. Calls on the United Kingdom to take all necessary action to ensure Ryan Cornelius’s release; urges the VP/HR, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, the Member States and the EU Delegation to the UAE to raise his case in all bilateral engagements with the UAE and closely monitor the conditions of his detention;

7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the VP/HR, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, the Member States, and the governments of the United Kingdom and the UAE.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus – RC-B10-0335/2025

Source: European Parliament

pursuant to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of the Rules of Procedure
replacing the following motions:
B10‑0335/2025 (Verts/ALE)
B10‑0344/2025 (Renew)
B10‑0345/2025 (ECR)
B10‑0346/2025 (PPE)
B10‑0347/2025 (S&D)

Sebastião Bugalho, Ingeborg Ter Laak, David McAllister, François‑Xavier Bellamy, Andrzej Halicki, Wouter Beke, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Andrey Kovatchev, Tomas Tobé, Ioan‑Rareş Bogdan, Tomáš Zdechovský, Davor Ivo Stier, Sander Smit, Elissavet Vozemberg‑Vrionidi, Eleonora Meleti, Vangelis Meimarakis, Georgios Aftias, Dimitris Tsiodras, Emmanouil Kefalogiannis, Antonio López‑Istúriz White, Matej Tonin, Massimiliano Salini, Łukasz Kohut, Loránt Vincze, Seán Kelly, Mirosława Nykiel, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Inese Vaidere, Michalis Hadjipantela, Miriam Lexmann
on behalf of the PPE Group
Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Marco Tarquinio, Hana Jalloul Muro, Evin Incir, Nikos Papandreou
on behalf of the S&D Group
Adam Bielan, Reinis Pozņaks, Alexandr Vondra, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Guillaume Peltier, Marion Maréchal, Nicolas Bay, Laurence Trochu, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Aurelijus Veryga, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Assita Kanko, Marlena Maląg, Carlo Fidanza, Alberico Gambino, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
on behalf of the ECR Group
Nathalie Loiseau, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Jan‑Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
on behalf of the Renew Group
Hannah Neumann
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
Nikolas Farantouris

European Parliament resolution on the urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus

(2025/2798(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Syria,

– having regard to the statements by the VP/HR and EEAS Spokesperson of 11 March, 7 May and 23 June 2025 on Syria,

– having regard to the Council conclusions of 23 June 2025 on Syria and the European Council conclusions of 26 June 2025 on the Middle East,

– having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas Syria’s religiously and ethnically diverse society suffered for over a decade at the hands of the violent and divisive Assad regime and terrorist groups, especially Daesh, affecting all communities, including Arabs, Kurds, Sunnis, Shias, Alawites, Christians, Druze and Yazidis;

B. whereas a spree of widespread violence, including sexual violence, along the Syrian coast targeting the Alawite community began in March 2025 and is still ongoing, with over 1 200 civilian victims;

C. whereas widespread sectarian clashes in April 2025 killed over 10 Druze civilians;

D. whereas on 22 June 2025, a suicide terrorist attack on the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus killed at least 25 and injured over 60, marking the deadliest attack against Christians in years; whereas a newly formed Islamist terrorist group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, claimed this attack;

1. Strongly condemns the traumatic terrorist attack against the Mar Elias Church and all threats against worship sites, some historically significant; urges the Syrian authorities to improve safety measures and restore the Mar Elias Church;

2. Strongly condemns all attacks targeting religious and ethnic communities and acknowledges heightened fears among them, seven months into the political transition; expresses solidarity with all victims;

3. Urges the Syrian transitional authorities to facilitate swift, transparent and independent investigations into these acts, and take all necessary actions to quell sectarian violence, ensure accountability, including by prosecuting perpetrators and enablers of human rights violations such as in the case of Mar Elias, uphold freedom of religion and protect all communities;

4. Reiterates the EU’s support, including through conditionally lifting sanctions, for a human rights-based political transition in Syria, with transitional justice, the fight against impunity, prohibiting arbitrary violence, inclusive governance and a People’s Assembly required for its success; calls for the EU to create a Syria reconstruction fund, conditional on demonstrable progress on these priorities and in coordination with relevant international institutions, to promote interfaith dialogue, conflict resolution and reconciliation; calls on the Commission to hold the Day of Dialogue Conference in Syria with Syrian civil society as soon as possible;

5. Highlights the vulnerability of Christian communities in Syria;

6. Calls on the Council to maintain and impose more targeted sanctions on actors responsible for religious freedom violations in Syria;

7. Calls for the Syrian transitional authorities, the EU and the Member States to advance efforts against Islamist terrorism, protect all Syrians and tackle the situation in the al-Hol and Roj camps; calls for Syria’s territorial integrity to be respected;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the European External Action Service, the Council and the Syrian authorities.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions – RC-B10-0324/2025

Source: European Parliament

Hildegard Bentele
on behalf of the PPE Group
Kathleen Van Brempt
on behalf of the S&D Group
Beata Szydło
on behalf of the ECR Group
Bart Groothuis, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Engin Eroglu, Christophe Grudler, Svenja Hahn, Ľubica Karvašová, Michał Kobosko, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Marie‑Pierre Vedrenne, Lucia Yar
on behalf of the Renew Group
Ville Niinistö
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
Mariusz Kamiński

European Parliament resolution on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions

(2025/2800(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on China,

– having regard to the upcoming EU-China summit planned for 24 and 25 July 2025,

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020 [1], also known as the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA),

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 [2](Net-Zero Industry Act),

– having regard to the G7 Leaders’ statement on the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan,

– having regard to the Commission communication of 26 February 2025 entitled ‘The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation’ (COM(2025)0085),

– having regard to the clean trade and investment partnerships being negotiated by the EU, and to the EU’s critical raw material partnerships,

– having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 20 June 2023 on ‘European Economic Security Strategy’ (JOIN(2023)0020), and to the speeches about de-risking given by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Policy Centre on 30 March 2023 and in Parliament on 18 April 2023,

– having regard to the 13th EU-China Strategic Dialogue, held between the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in Brussels on 2 July 2025,

– having regard to the statements made by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the G7 summit held in Kananaskis, Canada from 16 to 17 June 2025,

– having regard to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, in particular the principles of non-discrimination and of transparency regarding export restrictions,

– having regard to WTO dispute settlement rulings DS431, DS432 and DS433 on China’s rare earth export restrictions,

– having regard to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,

– having regard to Rule 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas on 4 April 2025, China started to enact export restrictions on 7 of the 17 rare earth elements (REEs) and on permanent magnets produced from these, introducing a system for non-automatic licences, and cited dual-use and security considerations as justification; whereas the list of items covered by the restrictions includes medium and heavy REEs (samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium);

B. whereas critical raw materials are essential inputs for a wide array of industrial products and processes, including in critical sectors such as clean technologies, digital technologies, healthcare and defence; whereas a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials is fundamental to achieving the Union’s climate, digital, competitiveness and defence objectives;

C. whereas export volumes have reportedly decreased by as much as 80 %, having a heavy impact on a wide range of sectors, including electronics and consumer tech, green energy and renewables, the automotive industry, aerospace and healthcare;

D. whereas the EU’s dependence on China for critical raw materials has continued to grow or, at best, remains stubbornly high; whereas the global REE supply chain is heavily concentrated in China, which has control of around 75 % of mining output and of 85 % of processing capacity, reaching more than 95 % in the case of some REEs such as terbium, yttrium and dysprosium; whereas the EU remains overly reliant on non-EU countries for the supply of critical raw materials (CRMs) and is almost entirely dependent on China for the supply of heavy REEs; whereas the EU covers 98% of its demand for permanent magnets, and 92 % of its demand for NdFeB magnets, with imports from China;

E. whereas China has significantly expanded its dominance in the global mining, processing and refining of CRMs and intermediate products, creating strategic dependences along key value chains, , which have, at times, been deliberately leveraged through restrictive trade measures; whereas China first restricted the export of REEs in 2010 over a territorial dispute with Japan, and this restriction was declared incompatible with WTO rules by the Appellate Body; whereas China has also applied extensive restrictions on the export of raw minerals classified as strategic and/or critical by the EU, including gallium and germanium since 1 August 2023, graphite since December 2023, antimony products since 15 September 2024, tungsten and bismuth since 4 February 2025, and scandium since 17 April 2025;

F. whereas the implementation of these export restrictions has already started to cause severe disruptions to industry in the EU, including the automotive industry, with as many as 17 assembly lines experiencing temporary shutdowns in May 2025; whereas a wide array of sectors could face disruption, such as healthcare, space and defence – including fighter jets, frigates, drones and precision-guided weapons systems – wind turbines and batteries, as could the green and digital transitions more generally;

G. whereas China’s licensing procedure requires applicants to disclose sensitive information to the Chinese authorities, which breaches economic secrecy; whereas China’s updated export control framework of December 2024 gives greater discretionary powers to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the State Council and the Central Military Commission to subject items not formally listed as dual-use goods to export controls; whereas these new regulations include measures with extraterritorial applications;

H. whereas the EU applies export controls to certain types of critical and advanced materials, but these controls are clearly focused on material types, with precise technical parameters relating to their use in specific military applications, do not affect trade in commercial non-sensitive products and account for only a small share of total exports of the materials in question;

I. whereas China has deliberately pursued a strategy of undercutting global market prices while keeping its domestic market closed, generally to the benefit of state-owned enterprises, and couples this with huge subsidy schemes, leading to significant distortions in global competition and jeopardising recent efforts by the EU and the Member States to keep the EU’s remaining mining sectors afloat;

J. whereas the EU adopted the CRMA in April 2024 as the starting point of efforts towards improving the resilience and autonomy of the EU’s supply of CRMs and strategic raw materials (SRMs); whereas the CRMA addresses both the supply side and the demand side, including through production targets, through resource efficiency aimed at moderating consumption, and through the substitution of SRMs; whereas circularity is at the core of the CRMA, which aims to cover 25 % of the Union’s SRM needs through recycling by 2030 and has the objective of recycling substantially larger amounts of each SRM from waste, including for permanent magnets;

K. whereas the upcoming EU-China summit is an opportunity to engage in dialogue while continuing to stand strong against coercion;

L. whereas China still has sanctions in place against a former MEP, members of Member State parliaments and European think tanks;

1. Strongly condemns China’s decision to enact REE export restrictions, which has halted exports and significantly disrupted supply chains vital for the automotive industry, defence manufacturers, semiconductor companies, green technologies, healthcare applications and many other sectors in the EU and across the world; considers that China’s action is unjustified and has a coercive intent, building on the enormous leverage its quasi-monopolistic position on the global market provides;

2. Believes that China is using these export restrictions to strengthen its negotiating position; stresses that the EU must firmly reject any attempts by China to use these restrictions to force concessions on other ongoing trade irritants, and believes that any concessions to China in this respect would harm the EU’s ability to protect itself from current and future coercion;

3. Underlines the importance of expressing concern regarding China’s export restrictions on REEs and the broader implications of these restrictions for global supply chains at the upcoming EU-China summit; is convinced that export controls should be part of a multilateral approach designed to protect international security and ensure a global level playing field, insists that unilateral controls must be limited to those made strictly necessary by national security considerations, with transparent and clearly defined rules, and therefore stresses that making China’s actions run counter to multilateral rules and practices, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to take a firm and unified stance, engage with China to find a structural solution and continue dialogue with China in this regard;

4. Urges the Chinese authorities to follow up tangibly on their proposal and fully lift the export restrictions; takes note, in the meantime, of the recent proposal by the Chinese authorities to establish so-called ‘green lanes’ aimed at simplifying procedures for European companies;

5. Stresses the urgent need for the EU to enhance its strategic leverage and indispensability by identifying, operationalising and strengthening areas in which it holds critical advantages over China in essential goods and technologies, with the objective of strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy, or by limiting access to the EU internal market for high-risk Chinese vendors in accordance with EU and international trade law;

6. Considers China’s measures to be an unjustified weaponisation of its CRM supply lines, rendering it an untrustworthy source of input for critical sectors and a threat to the Union’s economic and essential security interests;

7. Expresses deep concern over the requirements, imposed by Chinese authorities, that applicants must disclose sensitive data when applying for export permits, and over the considerable risk of technology leaks associated with this as regards the defence industrial base value chain and national security secrets, stressing that this may be used for future coercion; considers it essential for the Commission and the Member States to assess and mitigate the security implications of such data transfers, in line with the European economic security strategy;

8. Urges the Commission and the Member States to accelerate the implementation of the CRMA; stresses the important role of the European Raw Materials Board and its sub-groups for the rapid and efficient implementation of the CRMA; recalls the clear and ambitious targets set to reinforce EU capacities to extract, process and recycle SRMs domestically by 2030; highlights the selection of the first 60 strategic projects under the CRMA;

9. Regrets the fact that the CRMA was not accompanied by a dedicated EU budget, despite the lack of funding being the main bottleneck; stresses the urgent need to secure investments in the strategic projects approved under the CRMA and in other projects to boost extraction, refining, processing and recycling that contribute to de-risking from China and to achieving the CRMA benchmarks; urges the Commission to dedicate further EU-level support to the diversification of the REE and CRM supply, and to guarantee that the forthcoming multiannual financial framework will include a budget line to foster investment in extraction, processing, circularity, research and innovation, including for the substitution of CRMs;

10. Underlines the need for the EU to mine domestically and re-establish processing capacity; underlines that increasing the efficiency of resource use through technological innovation is one of the objectives of the CRMA; emphasises the potential of recycling and urban mining to alleviate supply constraints in the short term and asks the Commission to take immediate measures to improve the collection and retention of REEs in the internal market;

11. Underlines the need to ensure the long-term business case for and the viability of investments in CRM value chains, including through financial support such as price floors, offtake support and strategic stockpiling; calls on the Member States to request that large companies producing technologies in strategic sectors duly and regularly carry out risk-preparedness activities and measures to mitigate supply shortages, including via stockpiling;

12. Calls on the Commission, together with the Member States, to assess the minimum level for the EU of strategic stocks of REEs listed as SRMs (neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, dysprosium, gadolinium, samarium and cerium) and the corresponding end-use applications, including those linked to the defence industry;

13. Calls, furthermore, for stronger engagement to conclude clean trade and investment partnerships (CTIPs) and bilateral strategic partnerships on raw materials that are based on true win-win partnerships and meet high sustainability and human rights standards; insists on the need to move towards binding agreements on CRMs to ensure the long-term security of the EU’s supplies, guarantee more transparency and ensure that Parliament has scrutiny powers; underlines the importance of free trade agreements and the Global Gateway initiative in enhancing access to CRMs;

14. Encourages the use of preference clauses for sourcing REEs from EU suppliers and trusted partners in relevant procurement legislation; calls for greater coordination with like-minded international partners, particularly within the G7 and NATO frameworks and with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, in order to improve knowledge transfer, align supply chain security, joint investments and stockpiling strategies, and develop trusted-source standards for strategic sectors and projects;

15. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Government and Parliament of the People’s Republic of China.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: The Liberian Ambassador to Sierra Leone Bids Farewell to Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, After Three Years of Dedicated Service in Sierra Leone

Source: APO

The Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Madam Angie Lavela von Ballmoos, has officially taken leave of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio after three years of dedicated service in Sierra Leone.

Reflecting on her time in the country, Ambassador von Ballmoos noted that it was with a heavy heart that she bids farewell, marking the end of a fulfilling tenure in what she described as a beautiful and welcoming nation. She expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality she received and remarked that she would greatly miss the people, the shared cultural heritage, and the local cuisine.

Ambassador von Ballmoos also extended her heartfelt congratulations to President Bio on his recent election as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“Your appointment brings hope not only to Sierra Leone but to the entire sub-region and Africa at large,” she stated. “We in Liberia are humbled and proud of your achievement, especially because of the personal and historical ties we share.”

She further commended President Bio’s leadership, particularly his role in the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10), his commitment to human capital development, and his advocacy for gender equality.

“We are optimistic about what ECOWAS can achieve under your leadership. The people of the region stand to benefit immensely from your efforts in fostering peace and building capacity across the sub-region,” she added.

In his response, President Julius Maada Bio thanked the outgoing ambassador for her outstanding service and contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries.

“Your service in Sierra Leone has been impactful. You have championed Liberia’s interests with distinction, and as the exemplary public servant that you are, I am confident you will continue to make Liberia proud—and should be proud of yourself as well,” he stated.

President Bio added that Ambassador von Ballmoos would be deeply missed and assured her that Sierra Leone, especially Freetown, would always be home.

“You are always welcome to return anytime,” he concluded warmly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

Media files

.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The bill on regulating the platform economy was adopted by the State Duma in the first reading

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The State Duma deputies adopted the draft federal law “On Certain Issues of Regulating the Platform Economy in the Russian Federation” in the first reading, as well as a package of amendments to industry legislation required in connection with the new regulation. These measures are designed to ensure transparency and stability of the market, protect the interests of consumers and entrepreneurs, and create conditions for the further growth of the platform economy.

The new regulation was developed on the instructions of the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin and under the supervision of the Deputy Chairman and Chief of Staff of the Government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Grigorenko.

“The President has instructed to speed up the adoption of the law on the platform economy, and together with the deputies we have already begun to implement this task. Last week we submitted an initiative to the State Duma, and today the draft law was adopted in the first reading. Such efficiency proves that we and the deputies see the goal of regulation in the same way. This is the protection of the rights and interests of our citizens: buyers, sellers, owners of order pick-up points and, in general, all participants in the platform economy,” commented Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of Staff of the Government of Russia Dmitry Grigorenko.

The main focus of the developed regulation is on intermediary digital platforms that combine information about goods and services, allow transactions and payments, noted Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of Russia, in a report to the lower house of parliament. A unified conceptual apparatus is also introduced, the rights and obligations of platform operators, sellers, buyers and service providers are clearly defined.

“Over the past four years, online sales have quadrupled, and their share in retail trade has reached 15%. About 80% of Internet users access platforms every month – 6 billion orders were placed in 2024. Business is actively moving online: today, more than a million sellers work on platforms, and 80% of them are representatives of small and medium businesses,” Maxim Reshetnikov emphasized.

The new regulation will increase trust in the platform economy. Every day, more than half of the country’s population becomes buyers, sellers, and orders various services through platforms – from grocery delivery to taxi rides, the minister emphasized.

A number of measures are aimed at increasing the responsibility of platforms to buyers. Now operators are required to check data on sellers through the public services portal and official registers. Product cards without safety confirmation (labeling, certification or declaration of conformity) will not be published. Additionally, requirements for the storage of goods are established, including compliance with sanitary standards.

Agreements between operators and sellers must include clear grounds for sanctions, changes in the position of the product card in search results, the procedure for changing prices and calculating the operator’s remuneration for providing services. Platform operators, in turn, are required to notify partners of changes in essential conditions at least 45 days in advance. Fines and blocking are possible only after a reasonable notice of three days. The use of discounts at the expense of the seller is allowed only with his consent, which can be revoked at any time. Also, platforms are required to provide reconciliation statements of mutual settlements upon request within seven days and update them monthly.

“Such detailing will make it easier for businesses to defend their rights. Moreover, it will be possible to resolve disputes with platforms not only through the courts, but also out of court. For this purpose, a special system will become mandatory on platforms, through which a compromise can be found with the operator,” Maxim Reshetnikov emphasized, adding that initiatives of State Duma deputies, as well as proposals from businesses, industry associations and experts, were taken into account when developing the bills. This made it possible to create a balanced regulatory system that will contribute to the sustainable development of the platform economy.

Digital platforms are a fast-growing segment of the economy, and its regulation requires a serious, balanced approach, says Denis Kravchenko, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy.

“Today, the State Duma supported the bill on the platform economy in the first reading. We have been working on this bill together with the government for over a year. During its preparation, the text of the law underwent significant changes taking into account the position of market players, the expert community and deputies. Yesterday, the bill was unanimously supported by deputies of the Committee on Economic Policy. Today, during the discussion, consolidated support was also born. This is very important for us. This is a new sector of the economy, which will be defined in the near future. It is growing rapidly, so it requires serious legislative regulation. We will finalize the text for the second reading,” Denis Kravchenko commented.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Ministry of Economic Development: monitoring the quality of public services covers all services in the country.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation has approved a new regulation on the Information and Analytical System for Monitoring the Quality of Public Services (IAS MKGU). The key innovation of the document was a significant expansion of the system’s functionality. Now, not only are citizen reviews on the quality of state and municipal services collected and processed, but they are also analyzed using the BI analytical module. This allows for continuous monitoring of service quality in automatic mode, analyzing objective data from information systems regardless of the form in which they are provided.

The monitoring tracks the life cycle of the provision of services and electronic services. Monitoring is carried out on more than 20 indicators: refusals, delays, technical errors, level of complaints, assessment, level of satisfaction, feedback conversion and others. Based on the results, ratings of services, departments and subjects of the Russian Federation are formed. Last year, modern public opinion research tools were integrated into the system, including monitoring of social networks, a service for sending notifications and collecting feedback from applicants via the VK social network was launched.

Currently, 57 subjects of the Russian Federation are connected to the system. More than 5.3 million notifications were delivered to citizens, of which more than 1.17 million contained a feedback collection questionnaire. By May 2025, the conversion rate of feedback collection in VK through the Vashkontrol service was 82.1%.

“All these changes will allow us to promptly identify problem areas in the provision of public services and respond to them promptly, which will ultimately increase citizens’ satisfaction with the work of government agencies. The updated IAS MKGU has become another step in the digital transformation of public administration on the way to increasing the efficiency of interaction between the authorities and society,” said State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Alexey Khersontsev.

IAS MKGU was created in 2012 to collect feedback and calculate the level of citizen satisfaction with the quality of services. Initially, the system was limited to monitoring 63 of the most popular services, but now all services and electronic services in the country will be covered.

Currently, representatives of ministries and departments of federal and regional government levels and MFCs are registering to gain access to personal accounts of the IAS MKGU, where they will be able to monitor the quality of their services in real time, receive information on deviations from target values and recommendations for eliminating deficiencies identified during monitoring.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Partial renewal of the European Court of Auditors – LU and NL Nominees – Committee on Budgetary Control

Source: European Parliament

Partial renewal of the European Court of Auditors – LU and NL Nominees © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

On 15 July 2025, the Budgetary Control Committee will hold a hearing and vote on the nominations of Ms Joëlle Elvinger as the Luxembourg Member, and Mr Stephanus Blok as the Netherlands Member of the European Court of Auditors (ECA).

Following nomination by the governments of Luxembourg and Netherlands, the Budgetary Control Committee has invited the two nominees to a hearing. During the hearing, CONT Members will ask questions and evaluate their credentials as nominees to the ECA, in particular in view of the requirements laid down in Article 286(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. CONT will give an opinion for the appointment of the candidates in the form of a recommendation to the Plenary. Appointment of the Members of the European Court of Auditors is defined in the Rules of Procedures of the European Parliament under Rule 129.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak: REW-2025 will become a key platform for discussing current energy issues

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak held the second meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”. The meeting was attended by representatives of federal authorities, energy companies, and industry communities.

REW-2025 will be held from October 15 to 17 in Moscow. The forum will traditionally bring together representatives of government, business, science and the expert community to discuss global trends and challenges in the energy industry.

Opening the meeting of the organizing committee, Alexander Novak emphasized the importance of intensifying the invitation campaign and filling the business program. “REW-2025 will become a key platform for discussing current energy issues, demonstrating technological achievements and strengthening international cooperation. This year, we will pay special attention to the 80th anniversary of the Russian nuclear industry and the integration of energy sovereignty topics,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Adviser to the President of Russia, Executive Secretary of the REW Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov noted that preparations for the forum are proceeding as usual. “Invitations to take part in REW-2025 events have been sent to more than 6.3 thousand participants, including heads of Russian and foreign businesses, as well as representatives of official delegations. Representatives of 65 companies from nine countries have confirmed their participation, including Azerbaijan, Brazil, Great Britain, Germany, Zambia, Kazakhstan, Côte d’Ivoire, Serbia, and South Africa. The Organizing Committee is actively working to attract foreign partners, especially from Asian, African, and Arab countries,” Anton Kobyakov added.

As part of REW-2025, in parallel with the demonstration of stands of the forum’s key partners in the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall, a specialized exhibition will once again be organized at the Gostiny Dvor site, which will demonstrate the industry’s achievements in the field of import substitution and innovative development of the country in the context of the Energy Strategy of Russia until 2050.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – International digital strategy for the EU – 09-07-2025

Source: European Parliament

In this period of accelerating geopolitical tensions, the EU stands at a critical juncture, facing increasing global competition and sharply divergent views from some countries, which sometimes challenge the EU’s approach to digital regulation. To assert its position as a consistent, predictable and reliable partner, the EU has defined objectives for future digital cooperation in its international digital strategy, published on 5 June 2025.

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Convicted criminal Trump should not be welcomed in Scotland

Source: Scottish Greens

09 Jul 2025 External Affairs

Scotland must make it clear – Trump is not welcome here.

More in External Affairs

The President of the United States and convicted criminal Donald Trump is set to visit Scotland later this month, according to latest reports.

The US President was found guilty of 34 felonies in 2023 relating to falsified business records, after he paid $130,000 in hush money to cover up an affair with an American porn star. Trump also has dozens of sexual assault allegations against him dating back to the 1970’s.

The Scottish Greens have long called for an investigation into Donald Trump’s finances in Scotland through an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO).

A UWO is a power held by the Scottish Government to investigate the finances of politically active individuals who have gained wealth through suspicious means. Given Donald Trump’s Menie Estate golf course, which he is set to visit this month, was cited in one of his felony charges, it’s now clearer than ever that a UWO must be used.

Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:

“There is no way that Donald Trump should be welcomed to Scotland. He is a convicted felon and political extremist who has shown a complete lack of respect for human rights and democracy in America and around the world.

“His Vice President has attacked the democratic system of Scotland when he lied about a bill my colleague Gillian Mackay passed and his former billionaire bestie Elon Musk has spread misinformation about our country online, as well as other far right conspiracy theories.

“At home, Donald Trump has sent troops onto the streets to threaten his own citizens, he is constructing a concentration camp in Florida and he has underfunded crucial services which have already cost the lives of working-class people.

“Not to mention his contempt for international law by welcoming Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netenyahu to Washington D.C. – a man who has an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for war crimes – and celebrating the collective punishment of innocent civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.

“I am urging the SNP Government to make it clear that Trump is not welcome in Scotland. Because I am sure that on the streets of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and anywhere else he may go, the people of Scotland will make it clear that Donald Trump is not welcome here.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Urgent: China, Egypt should continuously simplify trade and investment procedures: Chinese Premier

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

CAIRO, July 9 (Xinhua) — China and Egypt should continuously simplify bilateral trade and investment procedures, strengthen industrial connectivity and market connectivity, and strive for higher-level mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in Cairo on Wednesday.

Li Qiang made the remarks during a meeting with Hanafi Ali El-Gebali, the speaker of Egypt’s lower house of parliament. The Chinese premier is on an official visit to Egypt at the invitation of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Yemen deserves hope and dignity, Security Council hears

Source: United Nations 2

For over a decade, Yemen has endured conflict between Houthi rebels and government forces. Millions of lives and livelihoods remain at risk, and the conflict shows no sign of ending.

“The appetite for a military escalation remains,” Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy for Yemen, told ambassadors.

While violence remains an immediate threat, he noted that the economy has now become the “most active frontline” of the conflict: the national currency in free fall and purchasing power rapidly declining, poverty is a daily threat.

“The little money people do have in their pockets is either falling in value or literally falling apart,” he said.

Currently, 17 million people face food insecurity – a number that could rise to 18 million by September without swift and expanded humanitarian aid. More than one million children under the age of five are suffering from life-threatening malnutrition, putting them at risk of permanent physical and cognitive harm.

“We haven’t seen this level of deprivation since before the UN-brokered truce in early 2022,” said Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.

Regional instability deepens the crisis

Broader instability in the Middle East has further worsened Yemen’s situation, Mr. Grundberg said, pointing to recent attacks by Ansar Allah (as the Houthi rebels are formally called) on commercial ships in the Red Sea and retaliatory strikes by Israel on key Yemeni infrastructure, including ports and a power station.

“Yemen must not be drawn deeper into the regional crisis that threatens to unravel the already extremely fragile situation in the country. The stakes for Yemen are simply too high,” he said.

Nevertheless, he noted that the ceasefire between Iran and Israel did spark hope that momentum for negotiations in Yemen might resume.

Still, he stressed that Yemen’s peace process must solely depend on regional dynamics.

“Yemen must advance regardless, moving from simply managing shocks and volatility to developing practical steps that lay the groundwork for lasting solutions,” he said.

Negotiations must prevail

Without meaningful peace negotiations, Yemen’s humanitarian crisis will only deepen, Mr. Grundberg warned.

“A military solution remains a dangerous solution that risks deepening Yemen’s suffering,” he said.

He highlighted recent progress in Taiz governorate, where both parties agreed to jointly manage water supplies – a move that will provide safe drinking water to over 600,000 people.

This agreement also promotes sustainable water access, reducing reliance on humanitarian aid.

“While negotiations may not be easy, they offer the best hope for addressing, in a sustainable and long-term manner, the complexity of the conflict,” Mr. Grundberg said.

Call for international support

Mr. Grundberg called on the Security Council to continue prioritizing Yemen.

He also reiterated UN calls for all detained humanitarians, including UN staff, and called on donors to ensure sufficient funding to sustain aid organizations on the ground.

“Yemen’s future depends on our collective resolve to shield it from further suffering and to give its people the hope and dignity they so deeply deserve,” Mr. Grundberg said.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Deputy Secretary-General, Yemen & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (9 July 2025) | United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
– Deputy Secretary-General
– Yemen
– Sudan
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Syria
– Ethiopia

DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, is in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where she is attending the International Conference on the Blue Economy in the Gulf of Guinea. She is doing that on behalf of the Secretary-General.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, she highlighted the vast potential of the Blue Economy in the region, stressing the importance of protecting the ocean, unlocking its economic power, and ensuring maritime security to deliver benefits for people. She also underscored that the Blue Economy is not only central to SDG 14 — which as you all know is Life Below Water — but is also a powerful enabler of the entire 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
During her visit, the Deputy Secretary-General also held bilateral meetings with senior government officials, including the Prime Minister of Cameroon, Joseph Dion Ngute.
They discussed regional challenges, strengthening the cooperation between Cameroon and the United Nations, and accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.

YEMEN
Hans Grundberg, our Special Envoy for Yemen, briefed the Security Council today and expressed his grave concern at the escalation in the Red Sea with attacks on two commercial ships earlier this week by Ansar Allah that resulted in civilian loss of life and casualties as well as the potential for environmental damage to the Red Sea.
He said that freedom of navigation in the Red Sea must be safeguarded, and civilian infrastructure must never become a target in conflict. Above all, he warned, Yemen must not be drawn deeper into regional crises that threaten to unravel the already extremely fragile situation in the country.
Mr. Grundberg reiterated his call for the unconditional and immediate release by Ansar Allah of all those who are arbitrarily detained from the United Nations, national and international NGOs, civil society organizations, as well as diplomatic missions in Yemen.
For his part, Tom Fletcher, our Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, also briefed the Council and he told the fifteen members that the food security crisis in Yemen has been steadily accelerating since late 2023. Today, he said, more than 17 million people in Yemen are going hungry and that number could climb to over 18 million by September. He called for increased funding now to scale up emergency food and nutrition support for all those who need it. 

SUDAN
Turning to the situation in Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that the situation in North Darfur State remains alarming, as fighting continues to drive families from their homes.
Yesterday, shelling reportedly hit the market area inside the Abu Shouk camp, killing three civilians and injuring many more. As a reminder, this is a displacement camp where famine was confirmed last year. This tragic incident is another reminder of the toll this conflict is taking on civilians.
Prior to yesterday’s incident, the International Organization for Migration reports that more than 3,200 people had fled Abu Shouk camp and parts of El Fasher between June 26th and July 6th, and that they were seeking safety in places like As Serief, Tawila and At Tina.
In the Kordofan region, the humanitarian situation is also deteriorating.
Ongoing violence is forcing more people to flee, often into areas with little or no assistance. IOM says that on July 5th, nearly 800 people were displaced from Bara, in North Kordofan State, and are now sheltering in White Nile State.
Despite the challenges, our humanitarian partners are doing everything they can to keep services running. In North Darfur, they are supporting over 1.7 million human beings with basic healthcare, using both remaining health facilities and mobile clinics. However, medical supplies are running critically low.
We and our partners are rushing assistance to the Darfur region.
A humanitarian convoy that crossed into Darfur from Chad on July 6th – and that convoy was led by our Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator, Antoine Gerard – is carrying 180 metric tonnes of life-saving relief items for almost 400,000 conflict-affected and displaced people both in the East and South Darfur states.
Meanwhile, flash flooding threatens to make it more difficult for humanitarians to reach people in need. Today in eastern Sudan, heavy rains triggered flash floods in the Northern Delta locality of Kassala State. This comes as authorities began releasing water from several major dams to manage rising floodwaters. OCHA is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they come in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oakUfqPvDo

MIL OSI Video –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Prime Minister addresses the Namibian Parliament

Source: APO

.

At the invitation of the Speaker of the National Assembly, H.E. Saara Kuugongelwa, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed today the Parliament of Namibia. This special gesture from the Namibian side made Prime Minister’s State Visit to Namibia even more meaningful.

2. Addressing the Parliament, Prime Minister conveyed greetings from the “Mother of Democracy” and the largest democracy in the world to the members of the august House and to the friendly people of Namibia. Recalling the historic ties between the two countries and their shared struggle for freedom, Prime Minister paid tribute to the legacy of Dr. Sam Nujoma, the founding father of Namibia. He noted that the democratic values and principles championed by the founding fathers of the two countries continue to illuminate the path of progress in both countries. He lauded the role of the government and people of Namibia in deepening democracy in the country.

3. Prime Minister thanked the people of Namibia for bestowing on him their highest national honor. He noted that this special gesture was a tribute to the achievements of the Indian and Namibian democracies. As sentinels of freedom, equality and justice, he called upon the two countries to work for the betterment of the Global South, so that the voices of its people are not just heard, but their hopes and aspirations are fully realized. He underlined that India will always work for the progress of Africa, as it had done during its presidency of the G-20 when the African Union was made a permanent member of the group. He stated that India was privileged to share its development experience with Namibia and other countries in the continent. India remains committed to building capacity, developing skills, promoting local innovation and supporting Africa’s Agenda 2063.

4. Prime Minister thanked the Speaker for the honor extended to him. He called for greater people-to-people interaction between the two countries so that the two democracies ever prosper. “Let our children not only inherit the freedom we fought for, but also the future we will build together.” – he said as he concluded his address. Full text of Prime Minister’s address may be seen here.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

MIL OSI Africa –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £2 million boost to fix and future-proof Plymouth’s public buildings

Source: City of Plymouth

Plymouth City Council has approved a £2 million capital programme to carry out urgent and essential repairs across its estate — a major step forward in improving the safety, condition, and long-term sustainability of the city’s public buildings.

The Council’s estate includes more than 240 buildings across 135 sites — from civic offices and libraries to depots, public toilets, and heritage buildings. Many of these are ageing and complex to maintain, with some dating back hundreds of years.

The new Facilities Management (FM) Capital Programme means the Council can get on with urgent repairs more quickly, with a single pot of funding that allows the team to prioritise the most important work and speed up the procurement process. It also helps the Council plan better, buy smarter, and make the most of every pound spent.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “This investment is about making sure our buildings are safe, functional, and fit for the future. We know there have been challenges in how we’ve managed our estate, and this is a clear sign of our commitment to doing better — for our staff, our residents, and our city.”

The investment comes at a time when local authorities across the country are facing significant financial pressures. Reduced government funding and rising costs in the construction and maintenance sectors have made it increasingly difficult to keep up with the demands of a large and ageing estate.

Despite these challenges, the Council has already begun delivering a wide-ranging improvement programme in FM. This includes:
• Investment in better systems and data collection and management to support planned maintenance.
• Recruitment plan for a new leadership team, including a permanent Head of FM, Hard FM Operational Manager, Fire Safety Advisor, Building Asset Manager, Contracts Manager
• FM Service Structure that supports the delivery of the service.
• Compliance audit across the estate

The £2 million programme will be overseen by a new FM Governance Board, with clear criteria for prioritising works and ensuring transparency.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to New Jersey Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought and Excessive Heat

Source: United States Small Business Administration

ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New Jersey of the Aug. 11 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought and excessive heat occurring June 25, 2024.

The disaster declaration covers the New Jersey counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren as well as county of Bucks in Pennsylvania.

Under this declaration SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return economic injury applications is Aug. 11, 2025.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Too Much: Lena Dunham’s love letter to London, romance and the messiness of being a woman

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jane Steventon, Course Leader, BA (Hons) Screenwriting; Deputy Course Leader & Senior Lecturer, BA (Hons) Film Production, University of Portsmouth

When HBO launched Lena Dunham’s Girls in 2012, it followed shows such as Buffy (1997-2003), Sex and the City (1998-2004) and Gossip Girl (2007-2012), which had all set a standard of shiny, sanitised female representation that was both attractive and palatable to a wide audience.

The grubby realism of Dunham’s New York twentysomethings, on the other hand, offered a surprising authenticity for some. But for others it was too messy, too white, too privileged and too authored around Dunham’s own life.

Although younger characters are often categorised by self-absorption and poor judgment, the “realness” of Girls was still challenging for many viewers. In particular they struggled with Dunham’s own character, Hannah Horvath, an aspiring writer frequently making personal and professional mistakes. She made for an unlikely – and often unlikable – heroine.

Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

Much attention was also paid to Hannah’s nudity, which proved to be a talking point each season. Dunham is known for her bold and positive attitude to her body, which clearly does not conform to standard Hollywood beauty types. But this reaction to Hannah’s frequent nakedness was ultimately highlighted as misogynistic by the creative powers behind the series such as producer Judd Apatow and co-writer Jenni Konner, as well as Dunham herself.

The same critics may have similar problems with Too Much. Though fresh 20-something protagonist, Jessica is played with gusto by TikTok star Megan Stalter, not Dunham herself. She’s known for her scene-stealing performance in comedy-drama Hacks (2021-).

Too Much is still clearly written by Dunham. Jess’s relocation from NYC to London echoes her own move to the UK in 2021, where she met and married the Peruvian-British musician Luis Felber and settled in north London.

The pair have co-created this “love letter to London”, with Dunham directing and and Felber providing the original music. The story takes in London pubs, creative agencies, Notting-Hill-the-movie aspirations and council-estate realities.

Growing pains

As Jess starts work in a London media agency, helmed by an excitable Richard E. Grant, she meets cerebral indie musician Felix (played convincingly and charmingly by Will Sharpe). Their instant connection means that Jess is thrust back into the world of dating, with all the Instagram anxiety and breakup PTSD that her last relationship produced.

The tone is at once fresh and frivolous, but episode one feels contrived at times with the creaky set-up of post-relationship life and relocation.

The familial scenes are the most enjoyable, with Dunham calling in all her celebrity cameo favours, including herself as Jessica’s mother (she snaffles some of the show’s best lines), and Rita Wilson playing her own mother. The small but mighty Rhea Pearlman grabs the great-grandmother role with gusto, flirting salaciously with Jess’s paramour while dispensing wicked wisecracks with bone-dry humour.

As the story develops, so does the sophistication and thoroughbred quality of Dunham’s writing and directing. Glorious moments of obsession with skin, taste and touch in the early days of a relationship are convincingly conveyed by credible and well-crafted moments of intimacy, both physical and intellectual.

As Jessica and Felix navigate the inevitable ups-and-downs of togetherness (dinner parties, red-flag paranoia and an unrequited “I love you”), Dunham reflects on love’s tumultuous and terrifying roller-coaster via brilliant dialogue and meaningful visual storytelling.

A particularly thought-provoking moment of direction comes in the form of a long take at the end of episode three, where the duo cosy up together, ready for sleep, in silent closeness. Jess listens to music on headphones, potentially excluding Felix, but the inference is of acceptance and tenderness – a reassuring sign of potential longevity.

The pitfalls on the road to love are frequently revealed in flashback from Jessica’s past relationship with Zev (Michael Zegen), who has moved on with a new partner. We go from the “meet-cute” and early days of infatuation between Jess and Zev, steadily giving way to less and less tolerance and emotional intimacy, until finally the betrayal with the new love becomes clear.

Capitalising on the anxieties induced by social media, Dunham has Jess obsessively watching Zev’s new love Wendy (Emily Ratajkowski) on Instagram, where every desirable detail of her life plays out in perfection. When Wendy broadcasts the inevitable proposal on Instagram Live, Jess is sent spiralling and decides to flee to London.

As the series progresses, Dunham’s goals become clearer and echo those of Girls. Both shows explore what it means to be “too much” – an accusation that many strong, ambitious and focused women have experienced.

Being too much, it turns out, may be not such a bad thing. As Felix remarks at the close of episode four, after one of their first clashes, “too much” is not necessarily an insult – it can be a way of describing someone who is remarkable. It’s something that Dunham clearly believes – and wants us all to believe – about the tumultuous and chaotic experience of growing up.

Too Much is a hopeful paean to womanhood, a declaration that messiness, failure and fear are all part of becoming a woman just as much as joy, love and intimacy. This show inspires and engages the more it reveals of its flawed and fallible protagonist amid the melting pot of London that Dunham so clearly adores.

Jane Steventon does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Too Much: Lena Dunham’s love letter to London, romance and the messiness of being a woman – https://theconversation.com/too-much-lena-dunhams-love-letter-to-london-romance-and-the-messiness-of-being-a-woman-260528

MIL OSI –

July 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

US Senate News:

Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”
RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.
“Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.
“The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”
A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.
The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”
Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.
Dear President Trump,
We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.
Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.
The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.
The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system.
Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.
It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.
Thank you for your consideration of this important request.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 10, 2025

Category: Politics

Government action to speed up compensation for LGBT veterans

Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns MP, said

Share this page

Updates to this page

More in External Affairs

Regional instability deepens the crisis

Negotiations must prevail

Call for international support

Growing pains